Back in lockdown when open mic’s were zoom affairs, Typewronger Books organised a on-line / off-line video open mic. I made a few videos for these sessions and you can find them all on youtube.
Thanks to Fiona McAndrew for animation in the Lioness of Leith.
Working with the fabulous Haquin, I’ve been putting together some new recordings. Mini-album coming later in 2023.
The new single, Rain, is available from all the usual places right now.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/5pgOrRssIJBekCE7fo7UUN?si=7208469410cf4870
Apple: https://music.apple.com/gb/album/rain-single/1653241210
and even YouTube: https://youtu.be/kkJ0xPLsavQ
The song was written some time around 2005. At the time I was writing a lot of lyrics and sending them down to my pal Phil in Brighton. He was sending back completed songs. In the case of Rain, one of the first versions was a super-mellow JJ Cale style groove. We recorded various demos, but nothing that quite felt right or finished.
I’ve been playing an acoustic version of the song in the pub since about 2015. This recording is based on that version, with some extra piano, bass, and backing vox. Big thanks to Haquin (https://www.haquinmusic.com) for piano and production work.
Also want to shout out thanks to Mike Wheeler who encouraged me to record and put this single out ahead of a gig we’re doing. He gave valuable support and encouragement during the recording process. Check out his new release too.
The single “Rain” will be released on 11th November. And then, the next day, you can hear it live at the Home Bar gig (with Mike Wheeler + Grant Robertson & Elsie MacDonald).
My pal Mike Wheeler and I are doing a wee gig at Edinburgh’s Home Bar on Saturday Nov 12th 2022. We’re expecting they’ll be space for all who want to come, but do let us know if you’re planning to attend so we can keep an eye on the numbers.
Also excited to have two special guests joining us on the night. Grant Robertson and Elsie MacDonald.
https://www.facebook.com/events/633519194791501
I’ll be playing a set at Bannermans on Tuesday 20th Sept. My slot is around 8.20pm and then Mike Wheeler is on after me at around 9.00pm. Lots of other acts that night, courtesy of Pressure Valve events.
Both Mike and I have been expanding the open mics we’ve been doing recently including checking out The Auld Hundred, the Home Bar, the Strathmore. And, of course, we’re down at Out of the Bedroom most fortnights.
We working up to a Startled Bee & Mike Wheeler gig. More news on that soon, but the artist in residence is already prepping for the poster.
“Falling from the sky” is an EP of three Startled Bee songs. It’s available on Spotify, iTunes / Apple Music, YouTube, and all the usual places.
There are also some old school liner notes too.
Sadly the planned session at Finn & Bear on Sunday 3rd has been cancelled. Not so much startled as disappointed bee. As you can see, the bear is really cut up.
